Oscillating reciprocating tripolar electric motor



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

A T. H.' HICKS. OSGILLATING REGIPROCATING TRIPOLAR ELECTRIC MOTOR.

10.568,947. Patented 001'.. 6, 1896'. l

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THOMAS II. HICKS, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

OSCILLATING RECIPROCATING TRIPOLAR ELECTRIC MOTOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 568,947, dated October 6, 1896. Application filed December 19,1892. Serial No. 455,564. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS H. Hicks, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Detroit, county of /Vayne, State of Michigan, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Oscillatory Reciprocating Tripolar Electric Motors; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this speciiication.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in reciprocating electric mo-V tors. The device, however, embodying my improvements I denominate an oscillatory reciprocating' tripolar electric motor to distinguish it from other forms of construction belonging to the same class of electric motors.

The nature of my invention may be clearly understood by reference to the following specification and annexed drawings, in which Figure I is a vertical longitudinal section showing the interior construction of a tripolarmagnet solenoid and showing other parts in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing more clearly how I combine two of my solenoid-magnets to operate in one motor. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing all of the circuits and their connect-ions with each other, the arrowheads indicating the comparative directions of currents when the motor-commutating device is in the position of its rotation indicated in this figure. The solenoid and magnet windings are not shown in this figure to be wound one upon .the other; but this I do simply to show the circuits more clearly. Fig. et is a side elevation of the commutator I use to shift the current at the proper moment for the two solenoid-magnets- Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the magnetic and non-magnetic cores of the magnet and solenoid. The plus and minus signs shown in this figure indicate the number and relative positions of the magnetic poles of boththe magnet and solenoid when the piston A is in the position of its phase. (Shown in Fig. l in the solenoid-magnet, that is seen in section.)

In the drawings like letters of reference indicate like parts. Y

I describe my invention as follows:

Looking iirst at Fig. 5, in which I show the framework of my tripolar magnet and solenoid, the same being shown complete, but in section, in Fig. l, B2 is a non-magnetic tub ular shell whichA is inclosed by an outermagnetic drum consisting of a cylinder G, ends O2 O2, and an annular pole-piece B3, the latter dividing the outer part of the solenoidcore into two parts. From the pole-piece B3 extends outwa rd an annular extension c2, having journals c3 attached thereto, which oscillate in journal-bearings D', the latter being a part of the supporting-frame D, as may be seen in Fig. 2.

In Fig. l I show the tubular shell B2 and drum O (illustrated in Fig. 5) wound with bobbins of wire, (marked Bl and O3, respectively.) The solenoid-bobbin consists of two circuits b and b', which are either wound in reverse directions to each other or connected to produce similar result-s, the two windings being only alternately used, one to draw the piston A in one direction and the other to draw it in an opposite direction. The drum or annular magnet-core O' is only wound with one circuit, O3; but the winding is reversed in its direction at the annular pole-piece B3., so as to produce consequent or like poles in the pole-piece B3 and opposite but like poles in the ends C2 C2 of the drum; but I wish it to be understood that I could reverse the order and wind the tubular shell B2 with only one circuit and the magnet-drum O with two circuits, but the latter method would produce 'hashing from the discharge of the iron core when the current became changed from one circuit to the other, whereas in the former case the tubular shell acts as a dischargingcircuit. These three circuits of the combined solenoid and magnet are shown more clearly in diagram in Fig. 3, where it will be noticed that the circuits b and h of the two solenoidmagnets shown in Figs. l and 2 terminate at one end in conductors b2, leading from the generator G, terminating at the other end in switches K K2 and K3 K4, respectively, the bobbin O3 terminating at one end in the other lead, c, from the generator and at the lother,

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end in the conductor c', which is in electrical circuit with the commutator-tn'ush f.

The two pairs ot' switches referred to are shown mechanically joined together in Eig. 2. This I do so as to reverse the direction of motion .in the two solenoid-pist ons at the saine time. Each pair of switches has three contact-points, (marked, respectively, It; 7o 7a2 and 7f3 7JL 75%) 7.: and 7.9 are joined together, and 7e3 7t'5are similarly yjoined together. )Vhcn the switches are shifted, therefore, the two solenoid-circuits 7) and 7; exchange places with each other, and the direction of motion will thereby be reversed. Each solenoid has a reciprocating piston A, having non-magnetic arms A and A2 for supporting the piston in position for free action. The arms have bearings in the ends C2 of the magnet. The arms A2 of the two pistons form pistonrod connection with the cranks E, they being joined to permit the rotation of the wheel E2 at c.

rIhe comm utator or current-shift ing device. is shown in Figs. 2, Il, and l-. It consists of a continuous metal ring E, having a brushf, through which the current is supplied, and a semicireular segment F2, joined to the ring, as in Fig. et, and insulated segments a d a a, which are only used to make an even surface for the brushes or rollers II II and Il2 IIS. The commutator thus constructed is mounted upon the shaft E so as to rotate therewith, and by having two pairs of sliding or rolling contacts II II and Il2 Ilis I am thereby enabled to operate two reciprocating pistons by the one commutator, and by having two circuits in either the solenoid or the magnet acting in combination with the two sets of said sliding contacts and the two sets of switches I am further enabled to reverse the direction of rotation without stopping the motor, and short-cireuitiug the current is also effettua-ily avoided. This part of the construction and combination therefore forms an essential part of my invention.

Each annular tripolar-magnet solenoid is constructed so as to oscillate independently, each being journaled from its center. In this way I can dispense with the usual bedplate. By constructing a motor thus, having two soleuoids, and connecting them to crau ks of the shaft, so that one piston will always be in advance of the other, as may be secu in Figs. l. and 2, I can thereby start the motor from alty position of the pistou without having what is known as a dead-center to overcome. rI`his constitutes another importaut feature ot n'lyinvention. 'lhccombined magnet and solenoid produce Vfive magnetpoles, two being produced by the solenoid iu its piston A, (marked I) and N,) and three being produced by the magnet, one in the annular pole-piece and one in each end C2. The relative nature and location of these live magnetic poles I illustrate in Fig, 5 bycrosses and dashes, (marked l, 2, 3, it, and 5.) The poles 2 and at are inthe ends of the piston, 3 being in the annular pole-piece B3 and l and 5 in the magnet ends (13GB. By such au arrangement of magnetic poles there will be two attracting and two repelling `forces throughout the full stroke of the piston in either direction ot' its motion, as I will explain in the `following manner: Suppose the piston to be advancing in the direction forward, as indicated by the arrow. One pointof attraction would thou be between the end of the pistou (marked N) and the approaching end of the magnet C2, a second point of attraction being between the opposite end of the pistou (marked 1)) and the annular pole-piece B3, the repclling-poii'tts being between the end of the piston (marked i\`) and the annular pole-piece 13 and bctween the end (Pof the magnet and the receding end P ot the piston, the said poles of course being' arranged as indicated in Fig. 5 and the position ot' the piston being taken as in Fig. l. The arrangement of these magnetic poles as specified and indicated therefore forms anothercssential `feature of my in vention, for such can only be accomplished by the combination of a magnet and a solenoid, as aforesaid. In this way I not only gain the advantage oi' attraction and repulsion referred to, but I am also thereby enabled to keep up an equal powerthroughout the whole stroke of the piston, which will be readily understood by noticing that as the distances increase between the re} ielling-poles the distances decrease proportionately between the attractiiig-poles. rlhe length ot' the stroke therefore can be very much greater than iu any other form of reciprocating motors.

The outer case of iron in my solenoid-magnet is made au independent'. magnet by a separate helix, which produces like magnetic poles in the center and ends of the drum. The construction I show is therefore unlike all others, and is new in every essential feature which I have mentioned.

I will now describe the direction of the llow of ctlrrent through the two solenoids, inagnets, and commutator during one complete rotation of the drive-wheel En, and for this purpose I desire attention principally to Fig. l, which fully represents all ot the practical features now to be explained.

Starting from the generator G t-he current flows `from the brush G to the conductors o b2. From here the current divides through the helices (jj CS of the two tripolar magnets and reaches the commutator-ring Wand segment If2 through the conductors c c and brush j". The roller-brushes Hand IIS are shown on the com mutator semicircular segment F2, the other two rollers II' and Il.73 being shown cut out of circuit by the insulated segments c. The current therefore can only :flow through the roller-brushes II and Il and through their respective conductors land P2, which terminate, respectively, in the switch-contacts, (marked It" and 7d.) From herethe current tlows through one circuit o of each solenoid, the currents from said circuits b'then returning to the generator G through the cond uctors big-and brush G2. The circuits for the iiow of current I have thus described may also be clearly traced by the arrow-heads. During the iiow of current as described the solenoid-piston is supposed to have moved forward to the end ot' its stroke, and at the same time the com mutator is supposed to have made one-half of a revolution. This would throw the roller-brushes II and H3, through which the current has been flowing, out of circuit, and at the same time throw the rollerbrushes I-I' and I'I; in circuit. This will cut the solenoid-circuits h b out and throw the other solenoid-windings ZJ b in circuit, and they being wound in a reverse direction to the windings b b, the magnetic poles in the piston would therefore become reversed, and this would cause the piston to reverse its motion until the com m utator completes one rotation. The current is not changed from one circuit to the other in the two solenoids at the same instant, there being a quarter oi a revolution ot' the ily-wheel difference, which may be seen by reference to the position of the rollers II HS or H H2. If the current were changed in the circuits of b'oth solenoids at the same time, I would only need two roller-brushes for the two solenoids. Using four brushes on one rotating cominutator in this way forms a very essential feature of my invention, for I am thereby enabled to prevent a dead-center when starting the motor, and the power is also more steady.

By the term solenoid I include the piston A, the hollow core B2, and the helix of wire B. The term tripolar magnet means a magnet having three magnetic poles, two of like or consequent poles being in one polepiece and two of opposite but of like polaritiesto each other being in two separate polepieces.

Vhat I claim, therefore, as my invention 1sl. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid-core, wound with two conductors l) and h', a piston, A; the two conductors being alternately traversed by a current of electricity; the current when iiowing through the conductor h causing the piston to move in one direction in the axis of said core, and when flowing through the conductor b causing the piston to move in an opposite direction, substantially as described.

2. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid with a tripolar magnet, substantially as described.

3. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid with a magnet; the solenoid and magnet having a separate helix, substantially as described.

4. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid with a magnet, each having their respective helix; said mag net surrounding the solenoid, substantially as described.

5. In a reciprocating electric motor, the

combination oi' a solenoid anda magnet; said solenoid and magnet being j ournaled in bearings so as to oscillate together, substantially as described.

6. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a magnet and a solenoid; said magnet having an annular pole-piece, B3, surrounding the solenoid, substantially as described.

7. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid and a magnet; the magnet-poles being located intermediate and at the ends of the solenoid, substantially described.

8. In a. reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid and a magnet; the solenoid-helix having two circuits, and the magnet having only one circuit wound in two reverse directions, thereby producing a consequent pole-magnet, substantially as .described.

9. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid with a magnet; the conductors of the helices of the solenoid and magnet being joined together in linear series, substantially as described.

l0. In a reciprocating electric motor, a rotating commutator, consistingof a metallic ring F3, and a metallic semicircular segment, F2, and three contact-brushes; one of said brushes being in sliding contact with said ring, and the other two brushes being alternately in sliding contact with said semicircular segment; the brushes in sliding contact with the semicircular segment being used to produce the reciprocating motions of the motor, substantially as described.

ll. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of two solenoids with a rotating commutator; the pistons of the two solenoids rotating the commutator and the commuta tor controlling the movements of the solenoidpistons, substantially as described.

l2. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a comm utator with a solenoid; the solenoid having two electrical circuits l), 19'; the commutator shifting the current alternately from one of said circuits to the other; one circuit being used to move the piston of the solenoid in one direction and the other circuit being used to move the pisA ton in an opposite direction; the commutator being rotated by the piston, substantially as described.

13. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of a solenoid, a commutator, and a pair of switches; the solenoid having two electrical circuits; the commutator shitting the current alternately from one of the circuits to the other; the two switches being respectively arranged in the two solenoid-circuits, said switches serving to reverse the direction of the piston of the solenoid, substantially as described.

le. In a reciprocating electric motor, the combination of two solenoids, two pairs of switches K', K2, K3, K4, and a commutator;

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4 Seat24? each solenoid having two circuits b and b', the cominutator shifting the current alternately from one circuit to the other of each solenoid, thereby operating four circuits; the two pairs of switches being used to reverse the movements of the pistons of the two so lenoids simultaneously, substantiallyv as de scribed.

15. In a reciprocating electric niotor, the combination of two tri polar magnets and their respective solenoids, two pairs of switches K, K2, K3, K4, and a rotating commutator; the solenoids and magnets each having their respective helices and reciprocating pistons; the commutator being used to shift the current for producing reciprocating motions of the two pistons, and the switches for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor, substantially as described.

I6. In an electric motor, the combination with two solenoid-heliees, each having their respective pistons, of two magnets, two pairs of switches, a dri ve-wheel, anda rotating eomniutator; each solenoid being provided with circuits, l), Zi, cach magnet having three magnetic poles; the coinniutator shifting the cnrrent in the two solenoid-circnits for producing automatic reciprocating motions oi the two pistons, the switches being used to re verse the direction of rotation of the drivewheel; the pistons having' each oscillating,r and reciprocating motions, substantially as described.

17. The combination of the herein described tripolar magnet and solenoid, snbstantially as set forth.

1S. In an electric motor, the combination of two tripolar magnets and solenoids herein described and substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I sign this specilication in the presence o two witnesses.

THOMAS II. HICKS. \Vitnesses N. S. WRIGHT, JOHN F. MILLER. 

